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VPN or 1Blocker

Maclver

Maclver

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Nov 23, 2008
2,851
2,587
New Mexico
So it’s a simple question. I currently use 1Blocker for ad blocking and I use their “firewall” feature to block ads and trackers across apps. My main goal is for privacy from companies. Would VPN be better suited or is an ad blocker sufficient? Pros and cons?

Use on iPad, iPhone and Mac
 
The only place a VPN these days would make a meaningful difference is on public Wi-Fi networks. The thing you should be worried about is trackers. Firewall like Lockdown actually blocks more trackers than 1Blocker from what I noticed and is actually more customizable to block custom trackers. Although it’s been draining more battery on my 13 Pro than 1Blocker which is my only gripe with the app.

If you really want a VPN you can always set one up at your home using a Raspberry Pi and connect to it while you’re on public Wi-Fi networks.

Let me know if you need some custom trackers list for the Lockdown app.
 
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Try lockdown. It’s VPN too, but only local and it’s for free. They are only taking money for the other VPN features.
 
Use a combination of both. Some VPNs have an Adblock feature that's very useful. Or as an alternative use a browser that has an in-build adblocker plus secure your traffic
 
NextDNS seems to be a better option for ads and tracker blocking. You just need to install a profile and it blocks everything at DNS level so there’s zero impact on the battery unlike using other apps. You can even use it on your Apple TV.
 
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OhMyMy said:
It's not a VPN last I checked. You're only hiding your history from your ISP. Your public IP is still revealed with that app.
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The 1.1.1.1 installs a VPN option in Settings. If I uninstall 1.1.1.1 the VPN options is removed from Settings.
 
Maclver said:
So it’s a simple question. I currently use 1Blocker for ad blocking and I use their “firewall” feature to block ads and trackers across apps. My main goal is for privacy from companies. Would VPN be better suited or is an ad blocker sufficient? Pros and cons?

Use on iPad, iPhone and Mac
Click to expand...
After reading a bunch of vpn reviews I decided to try ProtonVPN’s free VPN service. I only plan to use it on the rare occasions when I’m on a public WiFi network… For ad & tracker blocking on my private/home WiFi network I’ve been using 1Blocker and am generally pretty satisfied with it.
 
Rftoomey said:
After reading a bunch of vpn reviews I decided to try ProtonVPN’s free VPN service. I only plan to use it on the rare occasions when I’m on a public WiFi network… For ad & tracker blocking on my private/home WiFi network I’ve been using 1Blocker and am generally pretty satisfied with it.
Click to expand...
Try NextDNS. It’s free to about 300k queries a month and you can add a list of trackers you wanna block. All you need to do is install a profile. I quit 1Blocker cuz it’s not as extensive in blocking trackers and takes up around 25% of battery in a 24hr period. DNS blocking has zero impact and you can even configure it on your router or Apple TV.
The only problem is if you wanna whitelist something you need to add it to the “Allowlist” on your NextDNS account. A bit more than just hitting Turn off Content Blockers in Safari. Also you’ll see empty spaces where the ads are blocked unlike traditional adblockers.
 
OhMyMy said:
Try NextDNS. It’s free to about 300k queries a month and you can add a list of trackers you wanna block. All you need to do is install a profile. I quit 1Blocker cuz it’s not as extensive in blocking trackers and takes up around 25% of battery in a 24hr period. DNS blocking has zero impact and you can even configure it on your router or Apple TV.
The only problem is if you wanna whitelist something you need to add it to the “Allowlist” on your NextDNS account. A bit more than just hitting Turn off Content Blockers in Safari. Also you’ll see empty spaces where the ads are blocked unlike traditional adblockers.
Click to expand...
Just got NextDNS! Thanks for this recommendation. Really liking it so far.
 
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Maclver said:
Just got NextDNS! Thanks for this recommendation. Really liking it so far.
Click to expand...
Glad I could help. I gave up on the apps cuz they are consuming insane battery. This works perfectly except for the above mentioned quirks. It even blocks Hulu ads on my Apple TV 4K. And there’s no other app that does blocking on Apple TV.
 
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